Since deregulation of banking in the mid 1980’s, financial and banking industries in Australia have become increasingly competitive and innovative. Australia is ranked as one of the countries with the least controlled systems of banking globally with a foreseeable increase in competition due to implementation and large scale adoption of the recommendations of the Wallis Report done by the Financial Systems Inquiry. An increase in the number of banks and financial institutions entering the market today has led to adoption of various banking products and improvement in banking technologies such as ATMs.
ATMs are computerized telecommunications gadgets that offer clients of financial and banking institutions access to various financial transactions in public without the need for bank tellers and clerks. The bank clients are usually identified with plastic smart cards that are fitted with chips and magnetic strips. The cards contain security information such as the expiration dates of the cards and unique numbers. The security of the card is provided by the client who enters a personal identification number using Automated Teller Machines. The client can then access the funds held by the bank and make cash withdrawals or advances.
ATMs have had great influence on the banking sector in Australia. Firstly, they have helped create a highly sophisticated and secure financial trading environment offering Australians the capacity to carry out financial trading globally, electronically and in real time. The devices have also offered an improved fee transparency and competition within the banking and financial system.
Thirdly, with the growth of the electronic gadgets, Australian commerce has been able to reach new heights allowing consumers a chance to enjoy the wide range of financial choices. The devices have also made it possible for payments to be settled quickly and conveniently allowing customers, organizations and businesses the ability to transfer cash to and from personal and business accounts.
Mel writes about ATMs, ATM fees and other finance topics.